Doncaster YMCA is a local charity and housing association, based in Wood Street. Our work focuses on young adults aged 16 to 25. Although we’re an independent body, we’re proud to be a part of the international YMCA Movement. Our Hostel is staffed 24 hours a day, all year round. We provide 26 rooms, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and living space. We recognise that homelessness is about far more than not having somewhere to live. Young adults coming to the YMCA often do so as a result of complex and traumatic situations. Residents are able to stay with us for up to two years. During that time, and for a period of around six months afterwards, our support focuses on building independent living skills and preparing for a stable adult life.

Our Board of Governors includes a President, Treasurer and between six and twelve elected members of the YMCA. We’re also able to co-opt others onto the Board to fill vacancies. At present, our Board is primarily retired people who are all experienced volunteers. All support and contribute to a wide range of charities and causes in Doncaster, and all contribute a great deal of wisdom and life experience to the YMCA. During their working lives, Board members were involved in private and statutory sector work at senior levels.

The Board recognises that it would benefit from input from a broader range of people, and we are particularly keen to involve people with current business skills. Present Board members are willing to play their part in nurturing new people, and are happy to offer guidance and support where needed.

No special qualifications are required of Board Members. Above all, we’re looking for time, wisdom and a broad life experience. The following pointers may be helpful. Time – Attending meetings every two to three months and setting time aside to read background material beforehand. – Representing the Board at YMCA social and fundraising events where possible, particularly where young adults are presenting and celebrating their projects. – Contributing to welcoming new Board members, and to helping them to learn about the YMCA and their role within it. Wisdom – Working in partnership with senior staff recognising the clear governance role of the Board. – Ensuring that matters discussed during Board meetings are treated in confidence. – Working within Doncaster YMCA’s policies and strategic plans and contributing to developing them. – Acting within the law, and complying with standards set out by the Charity Commission, Tenant Services Authority and other regulatory bodies. – Ensuring that any conflicts of interest are properly declared. – Working alongside fellow Board members, taking account of differing experiences and views in order to make sound judgements. Business experience, including a broad knowledge of change management, human resources and finance issues would be welcome but isn’t essential. Life Experience – Being aware of local community issues. – Being interested in young adults, particularly where difficult choices or chances mean that they need additional support. – Strong moral / ethical standards as a positive role model. – A sense of fairness and equality.

How do you apply or get more information?
An information pack is available for download below, or at our website www.doncaster.ymca.org.uk Alternatively, please call our Chief Executive, Louise Roffey, on 01302 342148

Contact name: Louise Roffey
Contact phone: 01302 342148
Contact email: louise.roffey@doncaster.ymca.org.uk

Changemakers are looking for new trustees to join their board. Changemakers are young people who lead positive change in their world. Anyone can be a Changemaker. The Changemakers Foundation is creating a world in which young people have the confidence to lead and everyone understands we need them to.

If you have a passion for the work of Changemakers, can think creatively and strategically and provide constructive challenge to our executive team, and have a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort we would welcome your application. We would welcome in particular applications from individuals engaged in the public sector, those with experience of youth leadership.

What competencies do you need? Commitment to our mission, vision, values and aims and objectives; A passion for the work of Changemakers; Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship; Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort; Strategic vision and a sensitivity towards setting strategic direction; Proven track record of sound judgment, effective decision making, and corporate responsibility; Ability to think creatively; Willingness to speak their mind and to act impartially and apolitically; Ability to work effectively as a member of a team; Maintain Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

For information on the role and how to apply: http://www.changemakers.org.uk/work-for-us

Is there anything else you should know? Applicants welcome from anywhere in the UK.

Application deadline26/Feb/2010

Contact name: Laura Campbell
Contact phone: 020 7033 6970
Contact email: Laura@changemakers.org.uk

There are over 18,500 public appointments in the UK. A large number of these are often vacant, and because of this, their important functions of regulation and governance don’t always work as well as they could. A full board, with the full quota of voices speaking and being heard will be better equipped to cope with the challenges they are facing than a half full one.

Did you know, for example, that out of 300,000 school governor posts, there are currently 40,000 empty chairs at governors meetings?

A recent survey by Common Purpose, an international leadership development organisation, indicated that whilst only one third of those surveyed were aware of any public appointment opportunities, a huge 92% said they would be interested in holding a public appointment in the future. You can read the report here.

So there is interest, and people who want to take part, but what is stopping them standing up and applying for these posts? Why is it when so many people want to get involved, there are so many vacant posts? What are the barriers and how can we start to break them down?